Improve DAB+ reception: the difference between DAB and DAB+
DAB+ gives you digital radio with a wide choice of stations, clear playback and useful station information. The reception works differently than with FM. Does the sound drop out or does your radio find few stations? With the steps below you can quickly solve the most common causes.
What is the difference between DAB and DAB+?
DAB+ is the newer version of DAB. Both receive digital radio over the air, without internet. DAB+ uses more efficient audio coding. A radio that only supports DAB cannot play DAB+ stations.
| Feature | DAB | DAB+ |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcasting | Digital radio via transmitters | Digital radio via transmitters |
| Audio coding | MPEG Audio Layer II | HE-AAC v2 |
| Use of broadcast capacity | Less efficient | More efficient; room for more stations or higher audio quality |
| Suitable radio | DAB or DAB+ radio | Radio with explicit DAB+ support |
| Internet required? | No | No |
DAB or DAB+: which should you choose?
When buying a new radio, choose DAB+. A DAB+ receiver can also receive the original DAB format. FM is a useful additional option. Also consider coverage at your location, the power source and the features you use.
Can an old DAB radio receive DAB+?
Only if your model supports DAB+. Check the manual or model specifications: the word DAB on the display is not proof by itself. A station scan does not make a DAB radio compatible with DAB+. An upgrade is only possible if the manufacturer offers one for your device.
Does DAB+ always provide better sound and coverage?
No. DAB+ uses broadcast capacity more efficiently, but audio quality also depends on the broadcaster’s settings and the radio. Coverage depends on the transmission network and your surroundings. The plus does not guarantee a longer range.
Quickly improve your DAB+ reception
- Fully extend the antenna and point it straight vertically upwards.
- Perform a full channel scan, especially when the radio is used at another location.
- Move the radio one to several meters. Preferably place it higher, closer to a window or outside a metal structure.
- Increase the distance to sources of interference such as LED lamps, battery chargers, computers, inverters, rotating machines and large metal surfaces.
- Turn off the radio completely If possible, briefly disconnect the power supply and then try again.
Important: scan somewhere with a good signal, such as near a window or outside, then test at your preferred workplace. A scan with a weak signal may produce an incomplete station list. A factory reset is a later step according to the manual; saved preferences may be lost.
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Poor reception does not mean that the radio is defective
DAB+ actually works just like WiFi. A router broadcasts a WiFi signal and your phone or laptop receives this signal. Is the WiFi not working well in a certain place? Then that does not automatically mean that your phone is broken. The signal there may simply be too weak or be hindered by walls, distance or other obstacles.
Exactly the same applies to a DAB+ radio. The radio receives the signal broadcast by a transmission tower. The quality of reception depends on the location, the distance to the transmission tower and the environment. Thick concrete walls, metal structures, basements and well-insulated buildings can weaken the signal.
Poor or intermittent reception therefore does not immediately mean the radio is defective. Test the radio somewhere else first, preferably outside or near a window. If reception is good there, the original location or local interference probably plays a part. This does not completely rule out an antenna or receiver sensitivity problem. If in doubt, compare with another DAB+ radio at the same location and on the same station. If reception remains poor in several locations, contact our customer service team. Have the model, location, station name and checks performed ready.
DAB radio not working or repeatedly cutting out: what can you do?
| Problem | Check this first |
|---|---|
| No DAB stations found | Select DAB mode, extend the antenna and perform a full scan outside or near a window. |
| Service not available | The saved station may no longer be receivable. Try another station and scan again somewhere with a good signal. |
| Sound stutters or cuts out | Move the radio, check the antenna and test further away from LED lights, chargers and machines. |
| One station is missing | Check that station’s network. Good reception of other stations does not prove that this network is also available. |
| Station name displayed, but no sound | Check the volume, signal and DAB+ support. An older DAB radio may display the name without playing DAB+ audio. |
Is there a DAB+ outage today?
Has one station suddenly stopped working while others still play? Check current notices from the broadcaster or network operator concerned. This page explains reception and is not a live outage monitor. A message on the radio does not automatically mean there is a nationwide outage.
Improve DAB+ reception indoors
Test near a window first, then outside. Concrete, steel and some types of insulating glass can weaken the signal. Position the radio higher and away from metal surfaces. Compare the same station in different places and use the signal indicator if your model has one.
Will another antenna or an antenna amplifier help?
Start with the supplied antenna and the radio’s position. An external DAB+ antenna is only an option if your device has a suitable connection; check the manual. An amplifier cannot compensate for missing coverage and may amplify interference too. Do not modify the antenna or casing yourself.
DAB+ keeps cutting out in the car
Dropouts at specific places, such as a tunnel, may be caused by coverage. If they happen everywhere, check the DAB+ antenna and installation according to the car radio’s manual. Also test without separate USB chargers. Advice for a portable jobsite radio does not automatically apply to a built-in car radio.
Where are the DAB+ transmitters?
Your DAB+ reception partly depends on where the transmitters are in relation to your location. The greater the distance and the more obstacles between you and the transmitter, the weaker the signal may be. Transmitter power, antenna height and buildings around your workplace also play a part.
Not every transmitter broadcasts every radio station. Check the DAB+ channel of your preferred station, for example in the Netherlands 12C for NPO Radio 2 or 11C for Sky Radio and BNR. The nearest transmitter only matters if it also broadcasts the correct channel.
The Dutch Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI) publishes an overview of transmitter sites, channels and frequencies in the Netherlands. Download the PDF on the RDI page and consult the maps for the required DAB+ channel. The document also includes DVB-T2 television transmitters; these are not relevant to your DAB+ radio.
View Dutch DAB+ transmitters by channel at the RDI
A transmitter map does not guarantee coverage: it shows where transmitters are located, but not whether the signal inside your building is strong enough. Also test the radio outside or near a window, with the antenna fully extended and upright.
What is DAB+?
DAB+ stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus. It is digital radio over the air. So you don’t need an internet connection, app, account or mobile data usage: a DAB+ radio and sufficient local signal are enough. After a channel scan, the radio usually shows the available stations by name. Stations can also send information, such as program name, artist, title or news items; what you see depends on the transmitter and the radio’s display.
DAB+ and FM: what’s the difference?
FM is broadcast on a separate frequency for each transmitter and usually becomes increasingly noisy with a weaker signal. DAB+ bundles multiple channels into one digital broadcast package, also called an ensemble or multiplex. As long as the digital signal is strong enough, the sound remains clear. If the signal falls below the reception limit, the sound may stutter or disappear completely. That is why a small move of the radio can make a big difference with DAB+.
- More channel choice: In addition to national stations, there are regional, local and thematic channels.
- No FM noise: with sufficient signal, reception sounds clear and stable.
- Simple operation: you choose a channel by name instead of manually searching for a frequency.
- Additional information: Depending on the radio and station, program, artist and title information appear on the display.
Why is DAB+ reception better in one place than in another?
The reception level is affected by distance from the transmitter, terrain, buildings, steel structures and electrical equipment. The signal can be dampened or reflected, especially in basements, concrete buildings, metal halls, containers and workshops with many machines. As a result, two places that are only a few meters apart can still give a clearly different result.
On the construction site, LED lighting, chargers, power supplies, solar panel installations, inverters and machines are possible sources of interference. Therefore, test the radio briefly with some devices switched off. If reception improves, increase the distance between the radio and the source of interference.
No DAB+ channels after a scan?
First check that the radio is actually in DAB+ mode and not in FM or Bluetooth mode. Extend the antenna completely, place the radio in a higher and clearer location and start a full scan. Are you using the radio for the first time or have you driven to another region? Then a new scan is always recommended. If problems persist, also check whether other DAB+ radios have reception in the same location.
How much does listening to DAB+ cost?
To receive free-to-air DAB+ radio in the Netherlands, you do not pay a subscription and you do not use mobile data. You only need a suitable DAB+ radio. Channel availability varies by country and region.
DAB+ frequencies and coverage by country
Choose a country to see the main frequency blocks, example stations and coverage maps. One block, such as 11C, carries several radio stations. A full station scan is usually sufficient; channel numbers are useful for manual tuning.
Please note: this is a brief overview, not a complete list of all local networks. National coverage does not guarantee reception inside every building. Channels and station line-ups may change.
Netherlands
National coverage
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12C | 227.360 | NPO Radio 2 | NPO |
| 11C | 220.352 | Sky Radio, BNR | National commercial network |
| 9C | 206.352 | Groot Nieuws Radio | National commercial network |
| 7D | 194.064 | Groot Nieuws Radio Non-stop | MTVNL |
Regional and local coverage — regional networks
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5A | 174.928 | Omrop Fryslân | Friesland |
| 7C | 192.352 | Radio Noord | Groningen / Drenthe |
| 6A | 181.936 | Radio Oost | Overijssel |
| 12B | 225.648 | Radio Gelderland | Gelderland / Utrecht |
| 8B | 197.648 | NH Radio | North Holland / Flevoland |
| 5B | 176.640 | Radio Rijnmond | South Holland / Zeeland |
| 7C | 192.352 | Omroep Brabant, SLAM! | North Brabant / Limburg |
Local networks also use their own channels in each coverage area. SLAM! is also available nationally on 11C.
Coverage maps: maps for each national and regional network (Oorboekje).
Transmitter sites: see the explanation and official RDI overview of DAB+ transmitters.
Belgium
Belgium has separate networks for Flanders and French-speaking Belgium. A single channel therefore does not automatically cover the whole country.
Main networks in Flanders
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12A | 223.936 | VRT Radio 1 | VRT |
| 11A | 216.928 | Qmusic | Commercial |
| 10D | 215.072 | JOE 80’s & 90’s | Commercial |
Regional coverage — Wallonia and Brussels
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5C | 178.352 | Classic 21 | Hainaut |
| 6A | 181.936 | Musiq3 | Hainaut |
| 5B | 176.640 | Classic 21 | Namur / Luxembourg |
| 6C | 185.360 | Musiq3 | Namur / Luxembourg |
| 8D | 201.072 | Classic 21 | Liège |
| 6B | 183.648 | Musiq3 | Liège |
| 11D | 222.064 | Classic 21 | Brussels / Walloon Brabant |
| 6D | 187.072 | Musiq3 | Brussels / Walloon Brabant |
There are also local networks; their channels depend on the location. The Flemish commercial network on 10D replaces the former 5A/5D network.
Coverage maps: Flanders (VRT and commercial networks, depending on the map) · Wallonia and Brussels.
Germany
The first national network uses 5C. The second national network uses different channels depending on the region.
National coverage
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5C | 178.352 | Deutschlandfunk | First national network |
| 5D | 180.064 | Absolut Germany | Second national network, depending on region |
| 8C | 199.360 | Absolut Germany | Second national network, depending on region |
| 9B | 204.640 | Absolut Germany | Second national network, depending on region |
| 12D | 229.072 | Absolut Germany | Second national network, depending on region |
Regional and local coverage — examples
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11D | 222.064 | 1LIVE / BAYERN 3 | North Rhine-Westphalia / Bavaria (separate networks) |
| 9A | 202.928 | WDR 2 Rheinland | Parts of North Rhine-Westphalia |
| 10A | 209.936 | BAYERN 1 Mainfranken | Lower Franconia |
| 10B | 211.648 | BAYERN 1 Mainfranken | Upper Franconia |
Coverage map: DAB+ reception checker by location and station.
Austria
National programmes also use different channels in each region here. The tables below cover MUX I and MUX III, plus regional examples.
National coverage — channels by region
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5B | 176.640 | ENERGY Österreich | MUX I: Salzburg / Tyrol / Vorarlberg |
| 5D | 180.064 | ENERGY Österreich | MUX I: Vienna / Lower Austria; also Bruck an der Mur |
| 6A | 181.936 | ENERGY Österreich | MUX I: Carinthia |
| 6D | 187.072 | ENERGY Österreich | MUX I: Upper Austria |
| 8A | 195.936 | ENERGY Österreich | MUX I: Styria / Burgenland |
| 5C | 178.352 | Nostalgie | MUX III: Vienna / Lower Austria |
| 6A | 181.936 | Nostalgie | MUX III: Vorarlberg |
| 6B | 183.648 | Nostalgie | MUX III: Carinthia |
| 8B | 197.648 | Nostalgie | MUX III: Tyrol / Upper Austria / Styria |
| 9A | 202.928 | Nostalgie | MUX III: Salzburg |
Regional and local coverage — examples
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6C | 185.360 | Antenne Vorarlberg | Vorarlberg |
| 6D | 187.072 | Antenne Kärnten | Carinthia |
| 7A | 188.928 | Antenne Steiermark | Northern Styria |
| 8D | 201.072 | Life Radio Tirol / Antenne Steiermark | Tyrol / Styria (separate networks) |
| 10B | 211.648 | Antenne Niederösterreich | Lower Austria / northern Burgenland |
| 11C | 220.352 | City23 | Vienna and surrounding area |
| 12A | 223.936 | Life Radio | Upper Austria |
| 12B | 225.648 | Antenne Salzburg | Salzburg |
Coverage map: DAB+ reception in Austria · current programmes and networks.
Switzerland
Public service coverage — by language region
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12C | 227.360 | SRF 3 | German-speaking Switzerland |
| 12A | 223.936 | RTS Première | French-speaking Switzerland |
| 12A | 223.936 | RSI Rete Uno | Italian-speaking Switzerland |
| 12D | 229.072 | Radio RTR | Graubünden |
Regional and local coverage — examples
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | 194.064 | RSI Rete Tre | Regional network in German-speaking Switzerland |
| 7A | 188.928 | Radio Swiss Jazz | Northern Switzerland |
| 8B | 197.648 | Radio Swiss Jazz | Bern / Fribourg |
| 9B | 204.640 | Radio Swiss Jazz | Eastern Switzerland |
| 11C | 220.352 | Radio Swiss Jazz | Valais |
Coverage maps: SRG programmes (by location and station) · local digris networks.
Denmark
National coverage
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12C | 227.360 | NOVA | National commercial network |
| 11C | 220.352 | DR P1 | DR: islands, including Zealand and Funen |
| 13B | 232.496 | DR P1 | DR: northern Jutland |
| 8B | 197.648 | DR P1 | DR: southern Jutland |
Regional and local coverage — examples
| Channel | MHz | Example station | Area / network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6D | 187.072 | Radio VLR | North-western Jutland |
| 9D | 208.064 | Radio Globus | South-western Jutland |
| 11D | 222.064 | Radio Viborg | Viborg / Skive |
| 12A | 223.936 | Radio Diablo | Funen |
Coverage map: DR: indoor and outdoor reception. This map covers DR, not the commercial network on 12C.
How to read a coverage map: select the correct network or radio station and distinguish between indoor and outdoor/in-car reception. Good reception of one network does not guarantee reception of another. Maps are indicative; walls, insulation, terrain and electrical equipment affect the actual signal.
More than 20 years of experience with radio in the workplace
PerfectPro has been developing radios for professional use for more than 20 years. Our DAB+ radios are designed for construction sites, workshops and other demanding environments, where reception, durability, ease of use and powerful sound make a difference every working day.
Which DAB+ construction radio suits your work?
A good DAB+ construction radio should not only receive stations, but also fit in with the working environment. Pay attention to:
- Size and mobility: compact for service, assembly and smaller spaces; larger for permanent workstations.
- Audio output: choose extra power for workshops, sheds and outdoor areas.
- Protection: a higher IP rating helps against dust, dirt and rain.
- Power source: mains power, built-in battery or an 18V battery platform.
- Additional features: Bluetooth, AUX, USB charging, power bank or True Wireless Stereo.
DAB+ for every workplace
Compact and easy to carry: view all portable DAB+ radios.
Powerful sound and 18V battery freedom: discover the ROCKTAGON 18V and ROCKHART 18V.
Advice or listen first: find a PerfectPro dealer near you.
Need more help? Check the manual for your radio or contact PerfectPro.
Frequently asked questions about DAB+
Why does DAB+ sometimes drop out completely while FM is still static?
DAB+ has a digital reception limit. Above that limit the sound remains clear; below that limit it can falter or stop. With a weaker signal, FM usually gradually deteriorates and becomes noisy.
Do I need to rescan if I move the radio?
Moving the radio within the same building usually does not require a new scan. If you move to another region or a station is missing, perform a full scan.
Does DAB+ work without Wi-Fi or internet?
Yes. DAB+ is broadcast via radio transmitters and does not use WiFi, mobile data or internet subscription.
Can a battery charger disrupt reception?
That’s possible. Some chargers, LED lamps, power supplies and machines cause electromagnetic interference. Move the radio further away and test whether reception improves when the device is temporarily switched off.
Can I use my old DAB radio for DAB+?
Only when the device explicitly supports DAB+. A radio that only supports the older DAB format is not automatically suitable for DAB+.
Which antenna position works best?
For portable and construction radios, a fully extended antenna that is straight vertically usually works best. Place the radio as freely and high as possible.
